Philippe Coutinho injury: How will Liverpool line up without their playmaker?

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho’s ankle injury will reportedly take 5-6 weeks to heal. Here’s how the Reds might line up without their Brazilian ace.

Liverpool lost Philippe Coutinho to an ankle injury during their recent 2-0 win over Sunderland in the Premier League. Scans have subsequently revealed the extent of the ailment, according to MailOnline Sport:

Coutinho’s absence will create a dilemma for manager Jurgen Klopp. The Brazilian is the chief source of ingenuity and flair in Liverpool’s free-flowing side.

Fortunately, Klopp has three obvious ways to cover for Coutinho during his absence. They would all maintain Liverpool’s adherence to the attractive and attacking soccer that’s carried them to second in the league.

The first would involve transplanting a central player into the wide berth Coutinho usually occupies in Liverpool’s ultra-fluid front three. Adam Lallana would be the best candidate for the switch.

The England international boasts similar creative instincts to Coutinho. Lallana is a technical player intelligent and versatile enough to operate in a roving brief from the flanks.

He’s got the right attributes to release jet-heeled winger Sadio Mane behind defenses. Lallana would also dovetail well with Brazilian Roberto Firminio in the one and two-touch passing Klopp wants in the final third.

Lallana’s had his own injury concerns. But his manager has revealed the ex-Southampton man is nearing a return, per the team’s official site:

In fact, Lallana is targeting the upcoming league match at Bournemouth this Saturday as a likely return date, according to Coral Barry of Metro.

Alternatively, Klopp could shift Firmino out wide and add Divock Origi’s power to the centre-forward position. The beefy Belgian was on the scoresheet against Sunderland, and has the talent to be a useful link player in Klopp’s system.

Specifically, Origi has the strength to play with his back to goal, hold off defenders and make the ball stick. His knock-downs and quick touches can release runners between the lines.

Origi has had to wait patiently for playing time this season. But the 21-year-old is ready for a bigger role, per the Liverpool Echo‘s James Pearce:

Finally, Klopp could move striker Daniel Sturridge onto the flank and leave Firmino in the middle.

Of the three options, starting Origi makes most sense. His aerial presence and natural power can give the Reds a different dimension, particularly against teams content to park the bus.

Also, it would mean a returning Lallana could stay alongside Georginio Wijnaldum at the heart of midfield. This tandem has been one of the keys to Liverpool’s excellent form.

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The Reds can still win without Coutinho, thanks to the plethora of attacking options at the manger’s disposal. Klopp can choose from more than one combination and still keep Liverpool among the goals.